Senator McLUCAS (6:46 PM) —While we are ascertaining where this legal imbroglio might send us, I can take the opportunity, on behalf of Senator Bolkus and the Labor Party, to advise that Labor will support the amendment, subject to the discussion that is occurring on the other side. Labor recognise that increased nutrients in the Great Barrier Reef, especially in the lagoon area, are in part a result of discharge of sewage into the waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. We recognise, though, that run-off, particularly from agricultural practices, also causes an increase in nutrient levels in the Great Barrier Reef.

The problem of unrestricted discharge is an issue, and it is one that will be dealt with. But we also recognise that there are problems with implementation. The reality is that most vessels that work the reef do not have storage tanks in place at the moment. There are limited places at the moment—points that will receive effluent from vessels that work in the reef—and those issues have to be addressed so that we end up with an efficient and effective system for the management of sewage in the reef. I can advise that we will support this amendment. It is a mechanism which, after industry consultation and environmental assessment, can provide for the appropriate management of sewage discharge from vessels in the marine park.